US20010045409A1 - Collapsible bin - Google Patents
Collapsible bin Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010045409A1 US20010045409A1 US09/333,989 US33398999A US2001045409A1 US 20010045409 A1 US20010045409 A1 US 20010045409A1 US 33398999 A US33398999 A US 33398999A US 2001045409 A1 US2001045409 A1 US 2001045409A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- collapsible bin
- bin
- side walls
- side wall
- base
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 12
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 244000298697 Actinidia deliciosa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009436 Actinidia deliciosa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000141359 Malus pumila Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000021016 apples Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000135 prohibitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
- B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
- B65D19/14—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of wood
- B65D19/16—Collapsible pallets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D9/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of wood or substitutes therefor
- B65D9/32—Details of wooden walls; Connections between walls
- B65D9/34—Joints; Local reinforcements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00029—Wood
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
- B65D2519/00064—Wood
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00084—Materials for the non-integral separating spacer
- B65D2519/00099—Wood
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
- B65D2519/00169—Wood
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00223—Materials for the corner elements or corner frames
- B65D2519/00238—Wood
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
- B65D2519/00293—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of more than one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00323—Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
- B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
- B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00368—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer
- B65D2519/00373—Overall construction of the non-integral separating spacer whereby at least one spacer is made of one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
- B65D2519/00502—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of two or more pieces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
- B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
- B65D2519/00587—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls directly connected to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
- B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
- B65D2519/00611—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls maintained connected to each other by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
- B65D2519/00641—Structures intended to be disassembled
- B65D2519/00661—Structures intended to be disassembled side walls maintained connected to pallet by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B15/00—Nails; Staples
- F16B15/0023—Nail plates
- F16B15/003—Nail plates with teeth cut out from the material of the plate
- F16B15/0046—Nail plates with teeth cut out from the material of the plate from the body of the plate
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a collapsible bin, particularly for use in the fruit industry.
- Fruit bins are generally of wooden construction and nailed together in a permanent box shape for use, transport and then eventual return for future use.
- a collapsible bin including side walls and a base, said side walls being adapted to receive an adjacent side wall at each corner in an interengaging arrangement wherein an elongate element is provided to surround the interengaging side walls.
- FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the collapsible bin according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nail plate used for fixing the side walls to the base according to the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of an individual side wall
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the collapsible bin according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a general view of a collapsible bin 10 where all the components are visible.
- the bin 10 is principally comprised of four side walls 11 , a base 12 , connectors 13 preferably of nail plate form (as herein described) and a pair of straps 14 .
- the base 12 in this embodiment is in the form of a standard pallet construction which can be used with fork hoist type lifting apparatus. It is intended that, when used in the fruit industry, the pallet 12 would go on to further transport uses (eg. for packed fruit to be stored upon) after a bin is received at a destination coolstore. The remainder of disassembled components may then be returned to the point of origin for combining with a new pallet base.
- the base 12 may be configured differently.
- FIG. 3 best illustrates an individual plan view of a side wall 11 where detail of each end is shown.
- the main length of the side wall 11 is made up of a plurality of elongate elements or panels 11 a (preferably four in number) which are suitably attached (eg. nailed) to transverse elements 11 b and 11 c which in the assembled form of the bin extend substantially perpendicular to base 12 .
- Elements 11 b and 11 c define the height of the side wall 11 and provide the construction by which interlocking of adjacent walls is possible as will be described hereinafter.
- the element 11 b At one end of the side wall 11 is located the element 11 b which is substantially the same thickness as panels 11 a to which it is nailed.
- the element 11 b overhangs panel 11 a creating a projection 15 which fits into groove 16 on an adjacent side wall as illustrated by FIG. 1.
- the grooved portion 16 is found in element 11 c located at the other end of the side wall 11 .
- the orientation of the groove 16 is substantially 90° to the projection 15 on the same sidewall 11 in order to create a suitable squared corner when the groove 16 interfits with projection 15 of another sidewall 11 when the side walls 11 are assembled together.
- FIG. 1 best illustrates the assembly method where four side walls 11 are arranged in a substantially square shape on the base 12 (in cases where a more rectangular shape is desired the two opposing side walls will be longer). Each projection 15 engages (preferably in an interference fit) into the corresponding groove 16 on the next adjacent sidewall to complete the wall assembly.
- each side wall 11 is secured onto the base 12 .
- the connector 13 is preferably in the form of a nail plate 13 which is illustrated in more detail by FIG. 2.
- Nail plate 13 includes a plurality of sharp projections 13 a which can be hammered into the wooden lower panel 11 a of a side wall 11 .
- Below projections 13 a is a return flange 13 b which, in use, hooks under an edge of the base 12 . Therefore, as shown by FIG. 1, two nail plates 13 spaced at an interval on each side wall 11 are sufficient to secure it to base 12 .
- Nail plates 13 are preferably constructed of heavy duty steel for the requisite strength.
- an elongate element or strap 14 is then passed around the walls 11 and fastened tightly (point F on FIG. 1).
- the bin 10 is now secure enough to be filled with produce. It has been found that the arrangement of the interengaging projections 15 and grooves 16 is easily sufficient to support the weight of fruit from within the bin 10 .
- the strap 14 creates the necessary force to maintain the interengagement of the walls 11 .
- the bin can withstand reasonable pressure from inside and out.
- the strap 14 may be a steel ribbon but preferably is in the form of a standard plastic type which can be heat welded, buckled or clipped together under pressure. One strap is sufficient for holding the walls together but two (as illustrated in FIG. 1) or more may be used as a precaution against failure.
- a purpose built strap may be adopted for enabling quick-release and re-use.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the collapsible bin wherein the connectors 13 are in the form of corner plates which are nailed/screwed to corners of the side walls 11 and base 12 simultaneously.
- This construction is not preferred because, over time, excessive nailing/screwing into the wooden construction will weaken the timber. Also, the nails/screws must be removed for disassembly which involves an extra operation.
- the bin is generally to be constructed from wood but the concept of the collapsible system could be applied to bins made from any material where space saving is a critical issue.
- the groove channels may be routered out of the end element 11 c or built up from layers.
- the collapsible bin of the present invention is intended for use at a fruit coolstore for storing/transporting fruit after grading. In most cases standard fixed bins will be used for storing the freshly picked fruit and subsequent transport to the coolstore. The economics of the present invention come into play where the fruit must be shipped internationally as the cost of returning empty fixed bins becomes prohibitive.
Abstract
A collapsible bin (10) is described which includes side walls (11) and a base (12). The side walls (11) are adapted to receive an adjacent side wall (11) at each corner in an interengaging arrangement (15/16) and, to secure the side walls (11), an elongate strap element (14) is provided to surround the walls (11) during assembly.
Description
- The present invention relates to a collapsible bin, particularly for use in the fruit industry.
- When picking, storing or transporting large quantities of fruit it has long been common practice to deposit fruit directly into a relatively large walled pallet that holds several thousand fruit (eg. apples or kiwifruit). The walled pallet is simply referred to as a ‘bin’.
- Fruit bins are generally of wooden construction and nailed together in a permanent box shape for use, transport and then eventual return for future use.
- The major problem a ‘fixed’ bin construction poses is in the “return for future use” phase of its life cycle. Exported produce is now often shipped in bulk bins for packing at a destination coolstore. The return of empty bins back to the country of origin incurs a large cost. It is important to note that discarding the bins is not an option in many countries because of the high cost of waste disposal.
- In an effort to solve this problem several attempts at producing a collapsible bin have been made. The return shipping costs of a collapsible bin are greatly reduced because the components of a bin can be more tightly packed. However, previous attempts at developing a collapsible bin have fallen short of providing a sufficient standard in the basic requirements of ease of use and strength equivalent to that of a fixed bin construction.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible bin that is stable when assembled and is easy to use or at least provides the industry with a suitable alternative to available bins.
- In one broad aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible bin including side walls and a base, said side walls being adapted to receive an adjacent side wall at each corner in an interengaging arrangement wherein an elongate element is provided to surround the interengaging side walls.
- FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the collapsible bin according to the present invention,
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nail plate used for fixing the side walls to the base according to the present invention,
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of an individual side wall, and
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the collapsible bin according to the invention.
- The collapsible bin of the present invention will now be described in its preferred embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several further embodiments will be possible which remain within the scope and spirit of the invention as it is intended.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a general view of a
collapsible bin 10 where all the components are visible. Thebin 10 is principally comprised of fourside walls 11, abase 12,connectors 13 preferably of nail plate form (as herein described) and a pair ofstraps 14. - The
base 12 in this embodiment is in the form of a standard pallet construction which can be used with fork hoist type lifting apparatus. It is intended that, when used in the fruit industry, thepallet 12 would go on to further transport uses (eg. for packed fruit to be stored upon) after a bin is received at a destination coolstore. The remainder of disassembled components may then be returned to the point of origin for combining with a new pallet base. - For alternative applications the
base 12 may be configured differently. - Each of the four
side walls 11 are, in the preferred form, of substantially equivalent construction. FIG. 3 best illustrates an individual plan view of aside wall 11 where detail of each end is shown. - The main length of the
side wall 11 is made up of a plurality of elongate elements orpanels 11 a (preferably four in number) which are suitably attached (eg. nailed) to transverse elements 11 b and 11 c which in the assembled form of the bin extend substantially perpendicular tobase 12. - Elements11 b and 11 c define the height of the
side wall 11 and provide the construction by which interlocking of adjacent walls is possible as will be described hereinafter. - At one end of the
side wall 11 is located the element 11 b which is substantially the same thickness aspanels 11 a to which it is nailed. The element 11b overhangs panel 11 a creating aprojection 15 which fits intogroove 16 on an adjacent side wall as illustrated by FIG. 1. Thegrooved portion 16 is found in element 11 c located at the other end of theside wall 11. - The orientation of the
groove 16 is substantially 90° to theprojection 15 on thesame sidewall 11 in order to create a suitable squared corner when thegroove 16 interfits withprojection 15 of anothersidewall 11 when theside walls 11 are assembled together. - Other embodiments (not illustrated) may provide alternative interengaging or interlocking shapes for the
- The embodiment illustrated has proven to be particularly effective because the four interengaged walls form a strong corner bond which remains relatively stable even before
straps 14 are applied (as is described below). - FIG. 1 best illustrates the assembly method where four
side walls 11 are arranged in a substantially square shape on the base 12 (in cases where a more rectangular shape is desired the two opposing side walls will be longer). Eachprojection 15 engages (preferably in an interference fit) into thecorresponding groove 16 on the next adjacent sidewall to complete the wall assembly. - In order to secure a
side wall 11 onto thebase 12, two corner plates orconnectors 13 are provided on eachside wall 11 to engage withbase 12. Theconnector 13 is preferably in the form of anail plate 13 which is illustrated in more detail by FIG. 2. -
Nail plate 13 includes a plurality ofsharp projections 13 a which can be hammered into the woodenlower panel 11 a of aside wall 11. Belowprojections 13 a is a return flange 13 b which, in use, hooks under an edge of thebase 12. Therefore, as shown by FIG. 1, twonail plates 13 spaced at an interval on eachside wall 11 are sufficient to secure it tobase 12. -
Nail plates 13 are preferably constructed of heavy duty steel for the requisite strength. - Finally, to lock the four
side walls 11 in place, an elongate element orstrap 14 is then passed around thewalls 11 and fastened tightly (point F on FIG. 1). - The
bin 10 is now secure enough to be filled with produce. It has been found that the arrangement of theinterengaging projections 15 andgrooves 16 is easily sufficient to support the weight of fruit from within thebin 10. Thestrap 14 creates the necessary force to maintain the interengagement of thewalls 11. - Once assembled the bin can withstand reasonable pressure from inside and out.
- The
strap 14 may be a steel ribbon but preferably is in the form of a standard plastic type which can be heat welded, buckled or clipped together under pressure. One strap is sufficient for holding the walls together but two (as illustrated in FIG. 1) or more may be used as a precaution against failure. - In future embodiments a purpose built strap may be adopted for enabling quick-release and re-use.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the collapsible bin wherein the
connectors 13 are in the form of corner plates which are nailed/screwed to corners of theside walls 11 andbase 12 simultaneously. This construction is not preferred because, over time, excessive nailing/screwing into the wooden construction will weaken the timber. Also, the nails/screws must be removed for disassembly which involves an extra operation. - When the
bin 10 is empty and must be returned for re-use thestrap 14 can be cut or otherwise removed and theside walls 11 disengaged. The bin effectively then collapses and all the components may be stacked flat. One will appreciate the considerable space saving in shipping a stacked bin according to the present invention compared to an empty fixed bin. - The bin is generally to be constructed from wood but the concept of the collapsible system could be applied to bins made from any material where space saving is a critical issue.
- The groove channels may be routered out of the end element11 c or built up from layers.
- The collapsible bin of the present invention is intended for use at a fruit coolstore for storing/transporting fruit after grading. In most cases standard fixed bins will be used for storing the freshly picked fruit and subsequent transport to the coolstore. The economics of the present invention come into play where the fruit must be shipped internationally as the cost of returning empty fixed bins becomes prohibitive.
- The novel features of construction and function of the collapsible bin according to the present invention are defined in and by the following claims.
Claims (19)
1. A collapsible bin including side walls and a base, said side walls being adapted to receive an adjacent side wall at each corner in an interengaging arrangement wherein an elongate element is provided to surround the interengaging side walls.
2. The collapsible bin of wherein the interengaging arrangement is a tongue-in-groove construction.
claim 1
3. The collapsible bin of or wherein there are four side walls.
claim 1
2
4. The collapsible bin of wherein the base is a standard pallet construction capable of receiving a fork hoist apparatus.
claim 1
5. The collapsible bin of further including connector means for releasable connecting of the side walls to the base.
claim 1
6. The collapsible bin of further including a connector means for each side wall to connect said side wall to the base.
claim 1
7. The collapsible bin of wherein each connector means includes a fastening portion for fastening of the connector to the base or side wall and an engagement portion for engaging with the side wall or base as the case may be.
claim 6
8. The collapsible bin of wherein the fastening portion includes apertures through which fasteners can locate.
claim 7
9. The collapsible bin of wherein the fastening portion includes a plurality of integrally formed nailing elements.
claim 7
10. The collapsible bin of wherein the engagement portion is a flange located substantially transverse to the plane in which the fastening portion lies.
claim 7
11. The collapsible bin of wherein two connector means are provided for each side wall.
claim 7
12. The collapsible bin of wherein each connector means is fastened by the fastening portion to the side wall adjacent the edge of the side wall which engages with the edge of an adjacent side wall to form a corner.
claim 11
13. The collapsible bin of wherein the engagement portion of the connector means engages with an edge of the base.
claim 12
14. The collapsible bin of wherein the elongate element is in the form of a strap secured about the bin by securing or connecting means.
claim 1
15. The collapsible bin of wherein the elongate element is in the form of a strap adapted for quick release and re-use.
claim 1
16. The collapsible bin of wherein the side walls are constructed substantially of wood.
claim 1
17. The collapsible bin of wherein the interengaging arrangement is such as to prevent relative inward movement of the edge of the side walls at a corner.
claim 1
18. A method of constructing a collapsible bin including the steps of arranging four side walls to form a polygonal container shape upon a pallet base and securing said side walls together by the use of a strapping element about the substantial periphery of said side walls.
19. The method of constructing a collapsible bin as claimed in further including the step of coupling the lowermost part of each side wall to the pallet base by releasable connector means.
claim 18
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ330768A NZ330768A (en) | 1998-06-23 | 1998-06-23 | Collapsible bin with inter-engaging side walls and surrounding band |
NZ330768 | 1998-06-23 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010045409A1 true US20010045409A1 (en) | 2001-11-29 |
Family
ID=19926792
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/333,989 Abandoned US20010045409A1 (en) | 1998-06-23 | 1999-06-16 | Collapsible bin |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010045409A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU758748B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2274344A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ330768A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2925028A1 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2009-06-19 | Thierry Bloch | Article e.g. window, storing and transporting device, has component provided with male end connected to male end of another component by screw maintained by bolt or housed in slot of female end of latter component |
CN108839943A (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2018-11-20 | 盐城天合国能光伏科技有限公司 | A kind of recyclable photovoltaic module packed and transported method and structure sub-assembly |
US10906694B2 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2021-02-02 | Pilkington Group Limited | Collapsible crate |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3266656A (en) * | 1964-01-02 | 1966-08-16 | Charles E Kridle | Demountable shipping case |
US3984023A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1976-10-05 | Whole Earth Holding Company | Underground valve box |
US4643314A (en) * | 1986-05-27 | 1987-02-17 | Chrysler Motors Corporation | Container construction |
-
1998
- 1998-06-23 NZ NZ330768A patent/NZ330768A/en unknown
-
1999
- 1999-06-11 CA CA002274344A patent/CA2274344A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-16 AU AU35052/99A patent/AU758748B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-06-16 US US09/333,989 patent/US20010045409A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2925028A1 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2009-06-19 | Thierry Bloch | Article e.g. window, storing and transporting device, has component provided with male end connected to male end of another component by screw maintained by bolt or housed in slot of female end of latter component |
US10906694B2 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2021-02-02 | Pilkington Group Limited | Collapsible crate |
CN108839943A (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2018-11-20 | 盐城天合国能光伏科技有限公司 | A kind of recyclable photovoltaic module packed and transported method and structure sub-assembly |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2274344A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
NZ330768A (en) | 2001-01-26 |
AU758748B2 (en) | 2003-03-27 |
AU3505299A (en) | 2000-01-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5279436A (en) | Knock down shipping container using building components | |
US4779751A (en) | Knock-down containers, container fastening system and elements thereof | |
US4643314A (en) | Container construction | |
US4836395A (en) | Large disposable convertible packing case | |
US6019226A (en) | Demountable palletized container | |
US20040177792A1 (en) | Modular low cost pallet and shelf assembly | |
US5323911A (en) | Palletized container having discrete compartments formed by dividers | |
US6371299B1 (en) | Crate assembly and improved method | |
US6619477B2 (en) | Pallet and transportation container | |
US5494167A (en) | Returnable case | |
US20220063865A1 (en) | Pallet module, assortment of pallet modules, and pallet assembly built of the same | |
US5743421A (en) | Instant crate | |
US3561634A (en) | Shipping container | |
US5415310A (en) | Collapsible non-strapped paste bin | |
WO1994001333A1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for collapsible storage structures | |
US20010045409A1 (en) | Collapsible bin | |
JP2000229634A (en) | Cargo holding board with dismountable supporting leg | |
US5938037A (en) | Crate assembly and method | |
JP3065500U (en) | Cargo holding pallet with removable support legs | |
WO1998047777A1 (en) | Collapsible transport or storage crate | |
US5918755A (en) | Apparatus and process for erecting collapsible bin | |
KR100789301B1 (en) | Pallet for transporting steel frames | |
AU737559B2 (en) | Collapsible transport or storage crate | |
CN101166668A (en) | Reusable container | |
US3281004A (en) | Fastening means for corner joint structures |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COLDSTORE CONSULTANCY LIMITED, NEW ZEALAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KINNEAR, STUART GORDON;REEL/FRAME:010049/0619 Effective date: 19990608 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |